Aging is something we can’t do much about. Aging gracefully – now that’s another story! We all know a few people that manage to do it, and seemingly effortlessly at that. So is it all a matter of which end of the gene pool we swam out of? Are those of us that struggle with the early appearance of wrinkles genetically predisposed to them?
Creases, wrinkles and loose facial skin are largely the results of a loss in elasticity of the skin, along with a breakdown in collagen. While our genes definitely contribute to skin texture, there are certainly a few simple changes we can make to our lifestyles that can keep off wrinkles for as long as possible.
Here’re 10 anti–aging tips to beat those wrinkles:
Drink and eat healthy - Eight glasses of water a day and plenty of fruit and vegetables is secret number one. Rich in anti-oxidants and vitamins, these components of your diet can help counter free radical damage. It has been shown that foods containing Vitamin A such as oranges, carrots, sweet potatoes and dark green leafy vegetables (like spinach) are ideal for the prevention of wrinkles. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important - over eating does speed up aging. (Be sure to check our articles on combining taste and healthy eating!)
Protect yourself from the sun – Sunlight provides vital vitamin D; 15 - 20 minutes of morning sun each day is great. Experts opine that longer sun exposure can hasten aging of the skin and cause wrinkles. Protect your skin from 10 am to 4 pm – the time the sun is harshest. This also implies that a broad spectrum sunscreen is a must when you spend extended periods of time outdoors. You can also consider wearing a hat or a long-sleeved shirt.
Stop smoking - Research shows that smoking is more responsible for aging skin than sun exposure. It denies the skin of Oxygen, slows the rate of new skin cell regeneration, and speeds up the aging process. Cigarette smokers are found to develop facial wrinkles earlier, and are more prone to body wrinkles too.
Deep cleansing and moisturizing your skin - You don't need to use the most expensive products: just pick a good moisturizer and use it at least twice a day. Your neck, chest and hands are the first to develop wrinkles so pay more attention to them. The water you drink also provides your skin with that much-needed moisture.
Exfoliate once a week - Exfoliate once a week or more, depending on your skin type. Use a gentle facial scrub to remove dead skin cells. Exfoliation provides stimulation and critical skin cell renewal which results in a younger, fresher look. Don’t forget to moisturize your skin after exfoliating.
Keep up the exercise - Exercise encourages oxygen to pass through our bodies and increases blood circulation. Exercise helps prevent wrinkles, keeps your body in shape - and just makes you feel good too. Unhappy, unhealthy people often develop wrinkles earlier than their happier, healthier counterparts.
Go gentle with your skin – By age 40, your skin is weak and easily susceptible to damage, so go gentle. You may also need to replace perfumed soaps with products that are pH neutral. Minimize your use of heavily chlorinated pools. Wash your skin in warm water, not hot or cold: both present a shock to your skin and remove vital oils.
Treat your skin according to the weather - Extremes of hot and cold weather can strip your skin of essential moisture. Central heating can also have the same effect. Change your skin care routine to suit the weather conditions and drink lots of fluids. In warm weather, lighter moisturizers feel more comfortable; in the winter months an oilier product is more suitable.
Makeup That Cares - Most makeup is loaded with chemicals that are untested for long-term effects on your health. 60% of makeup you wear is absorbed into your skin; it is thus important to find makeup that does not contain toxins. Check the ingredients before purchasing a fancy new product that may have just hit the market.
Get your "beauty sleep" – During sleep, your body secretes growth hormones that helps repair and rebuild tissues like muscle and even bone. It is said that a minimum of eight hours a day is a must to keep your skin glowing and wrinkle-free. Many of the body’s cells also show increased production and reduced breakdown of proteins during deep sleep. Since proteins are the building blocks for cell growth and repair of damage from factors like stress and sun exposure, deep sleep may truly be "beauty sleep."
It isn’t all that hard really. Taking note of these little tips can go a long way in keeping those wrinkles off for just as long as we can!
